For many, a home is more than a structure—it’s a reflection of how we live and what we value, and it's the repository of the memories we create. A well-designed space isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about function, flow, and how a home supports the lives of those who inhabit it. That philosophy—form follows function—is at the heart of every project designed by Paige Saltzman, owner of Nanci Paige Design, a local interior designer known for crafting spaces that feel as natural and effortless as they are beautiful.
“I design for my clients, not myself… My most important responsibility is to thoroughly understand how the clients live and use the space. I strive to create beautiful spaces that wrap seamlessly around the people who inhabit them so that the finished product is an extension of them, not of me." Paige explains.
When asked about current design trends, Paige noted a loosening use of grays and blues that have impacted interior design for the last 10 years and white kitchen cabinets. Clients are now receptive to earthy, organic tones—muted but deep greens married with greiges and layer whites that create a sense of calm and connection to nature.
Texture is another tool in the design toolbox. “I’m using a lot of texture for visual interest and contrast instead of relying on color, and the results are refined and lovely,” she says. She also mentioned something unexpected: wallpaper. “It’s back, but it’s not your mother’s wallpaper,” she laughs. “Elegant handcrafted organic prints to fun, small-scale patterns - it's all newly relevant again in the design world, and peel-and-stick options are perfect for clients who need frequent change.”
One of the biggest challenges in any project is the budget, but Nanci Paige Design adheres to a practice she calls Selective Opulence. “Certain design elements have such a huge impact on the final result that they’re not the place to save money.” Flooring material, for example, is so impactful that it will speak the loudest in any design.“If the flooring is unworthy, the finished result will never look fine, no matter what you pair it with. I will allocate the bulk of the budget there and save on things like tile where creative layout can go far to offset a budget-friendly material.” She can also offset larger expenses by repurposing an old piece, like turning a vintage dresser into a bathroom vanity. Repurposing adds character while saving costs and hunting for the perfect piece can be fun. Valerie’s Vintage in Santa Ynez is one of her favorite sources for hidden treasures, and she encourages homeowners to explore flea markets and Craigslist for unique finds.
With open-concept living on the rise, the challenge of balancing aesthetics with practicality is very real. “A beautiful space only works if it supports the realities of daily life,” she notes, once again mentioning form following function. “There should be a place allocated for everything integral to living in that space. That’s the difference between an interior designer versus a decorator.”
At the end of the day, interior design isn't formulaic. The best design is a space that feels functional and uniquely yours, as Paige puts it, “Purge! Purge everything that doesn’t serve you, fill your space only with things you love, and let your home reflect the life you want to live.”
Website: https://www.nancipaigedesign.com
Email: paige@nancipaigedesign.com
"Fill your space only with things you love, and let your home reflect the life you want to live.”